In a bold move to strengthen its digital defenses, the Lagos State Government has inaugurated a Cybersecurity Advisory Council composed of Nigeria’s leading cyber experts and veterans.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Banquet Hall of Lagos House in Ikeja, marking a significant step in Lagos’ ambition to become a smart, livable, and cyber-secured megacity.
The seven-member council is chaired by Dr. Osakwe Fene, a multi-award-winning cybersecurity professional and Forbes Council Member. The council includes Dr. Adewale Obadare, Founder of Digital Encode Limited and a Harvard Business School alumnus; Taiye Lambo, a cybersecurity pioneer with over 30 years of experience across four continents; Ben Oguntala, founder of Enterprise Risk Technologies; Chinenye Chizea, a top influencer in Nigerian cybersecurity; Dr. Bharat Soni, a digital risk expert and Rotarian; and Tunbosun Alake, the Honorable Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, emphasized the urgency of addressing the growing cyber threat landscape. He highlighted alarming statistics from 2023, noting that a cyberattack occurred every 39 seconds globally, with data breaches increasing by 77% compared to 2022. Nigerian organizations experienced a 7% rise in ransomware attacks in the first half of 2023 alone.
Governor Sanwo-Olu underscored the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate these risks. “Digital tools offer immense opportunities but also pose existential threats if not properly managed,” he stated. The council’s mandate includes developing smart policies, deploying advanced threat detection and mitigation capabilities, fostering a cyber-aware culture through training, and securing Lagos’ digital infrastructure.
The Deputy Governor stressed the significance of a public-private cyber defense alliance, tasking the council with creating an “impervious cyber citadel” to protect government systems, businesses, and citizens’ digital lives.
Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Tunbosun Alake, reiterated the administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life through technological advancements. He noted that the council’s formation marks a milestone in Lagos’ development agenda and its 2050 vision.
In his address, Dr. Osakwe Fene assured the government of the council’s dedication to its mission. The inauguration of this Cybersecurity Advisory Council demonstrates Lagos State’s dedication to securing its digital future and fostering innovation, ensuring sustained economic growth and a resilient, cyber-secure environment.
